Autism / Autism Spectrum Support Group

Autism is classified as a neurodevelopmental disorder which manifests itself in markedly abnormal social interaction, communication ability, patterns of interests, and patterns of behavior. Although the specific etiology of autism is unknown, many researchers suspect that autism results from genetically mediated vulnerabilities to environmental triggers.

How to diagnose an adult

My son is 38 years old. He believes he is autistic and I think he may be right. When he was growing up depending on the doctor or teacher he was either normal, smart, autistic, developmentally disabled or lazy. In so many ways he seems very "normal" and in others, especially social skills and speech he seems "different". He works in a warehouse and lives on his own. But his lack of social skills and understanding of people has caused some big problems.
I guess, after rambling on, I would like to know how to find a doctor, psychologist or therapist to find out what is going on. But how do I know where to look and who to call. He makes just a little more than minimum wage and his father and I don't have the income to go from doctor to doctor looking for the right answer. We will be happy to pay if we know we are taking him to the right place.
If you are wondering why we have waited so long, it is because, after he became an adult he refused to go saying there was nothing wrong. Now, however, he understands that he needs to find out what is going on.
Is it too late? I worry about him being alone after we are gone. He has a brother who cannot seem to stay out of trouble so we will not be able to rely on him. Any advice you can give would be appreciated.

Get in contact with your local mental health dept. If you can MHMRA (Mental Health Mental Retardation Association) They also service adults and will do an elv. I know that many adults have fallen through the cracks, it is so sad, I wish the school had done more to help him, it seems they sometimes jut bump them up to graduate them and well, less money spent...... I will say that your local mental health dept. HAS TO PROVIDE CARE,and being he is his own guardian, has little income, they must help him, if and only if he will take the help. I hope this helps, I am so sorry the system failed him......

I gave my 2 week notice last Friday 13th. Now to join you fine people in a life of leisure and nothing else to do but to look out for myself....is it just me or does that sound pretty boring? My goal was to live to retire and I guess having to take early retirement because of health reasons wasn't exactly the way I had planned things. I just can't stay in that building that is reeking mildew...

Has anyone tried these supplements? Do they give MGers more quality of life by improving memory and overall well being?Thanks!Barbel

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